Capturing and Illuminating Life in Sumner Field Park
Urban Strategies engaged intergenerational participants in the Heritage Park Neighborhood in “Heritage Park 92 Photos,” a workshop and a summer-long community photography learning project culminating in an end-of-summer showcase. The program engaged teens and adult residents of Heritage Park with the opportunity to work with two local photography artists.
The focus of this work was exploring the art of photography, which was used as a storytelling tool. As participants acquired and built photography skills, they also fostered a sense of community within Sumner Field Park and Heritage Park.
Throughout the process, there were opportunities for teamwork as participants were broken up into intergenerational groups to complete a short photo assignment focusing on one or two of the composition elements each week. Smartphone cameras were the main pieces of equipment used during this project, creating sustainability and lasting access to the art form within the community.
The project produced 92 photos of the community from the lenses of seven different photographers. All of the participants showcased their photographs from the workshop and the 92 Project at an end-of-summer celebration in HP’s Sumner Field for more than 800 residents. Participants were also supported and guided through the entry process for the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts showcase and attended the showcase. And, participants created opportunities for further developing their skills and engaging more community members by creating a Heritage Park Photography Club at the culmination of the project.
The focus of this work was exploring the art of photography, which was used as a storytelling tool. As participants acquired and built photography skills, they also fostered a sense of community within Sumner Field Park and Heritage Park.
Throughout the process, there were opportunities for teamwork as participants were broken up into intergenerational groups to complete a short photo assignment focusing on one or two of the composition elements each week. Smartphone cameras were the main pieces of equipment used during this project, creating sustainability and lasting access to the art form within the community.
The project produced 92 photos of the community from the lenses of seven different photographers. All of the participants showcased their photographs from the workshop and the 92 Project at an end-of-summer celebration in HP’s Sumner Field for more than 800 residents. Participants were also supported and guided through the entry process for the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts showcase and attended the showcase. And, participants created opportunities for further developing their skills and engaging more community members by creating a Heritage Park Photography Club at the culmination of the project.